There are many ways to classify human beings. Thus, we can be ordered by nationality, by social status, by ideology or for many other reasons. One of them is the ethnic group to which we belong. The physical features that define a given population are the basic constitutive elements of an ethnic group.
In addition to physical features (for example, skin or hair color), there are other aspects that are associated with the concept of ethnicity, such as language, customs or religion. However, in the globalized world there is no general criterion to describe each ethnic group, since skin color is not always related to language, religion, territory or traditions.
The concept of ethnicity
Each race has created a feeling of belonging and this phenomenon is known as ethnicity. This feeling appears when the population of each ethnic group realizes their differences with respect to the others. The idea of ethnicity is a form of identification and, therefore, refers to how an ethnic or ethno-rational group sees itself. Although the idea of ethnicity expresses the ties that unite a community, it should not be forgotten that racial differences have been a fundamental aspect in social conflict. Racism in its various forms, the Jewish holocaust, the persecution of Gypsies or the persecution of Australian aborigines are some examples that illustrate the social tensions derived from the ethnic factor.
Ethnicity and race
Both concepts are used in everyday language as synonyms. However, the term race refers to the physical characteristics of individuals, while the idea of ethnicity refers to the cultural dimension of a community. Consequently, someone can be part of a race because of their physical characteristics, but not share the cultural traditions linked to that race.
The different ethnic groups on the planet
The classification of ethnic groups has evolved over time, but currently the scientific community is unanimous when it affirms that there are seven main races:
- The black race is the original of all the others and the vast majority is found on the African continent.
- The white or Caucasian race is the majority in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia.
- People of the Indian race inhabit India and neighboring countries.
- The Arab race is native to North Africa and the Middle East.
- The Indo-American race comes from North America and is the least widespread of all.
- The Latin American race is centered in South America and Central America.
Photos: Fotolia - aylerein / filipefrazao
